JCW Classes: How to Write a Memoir

We have examples of memoiristic writing from almost 4000 years ago. Over the past several decades, memoir as a genre has seen an explosion in popularity. What draws writers and readers to this form? What, other than the juicy details of other people’s thoughts and lives, gives it value? Join Jason Gots, author of Humanity Is Trying (HarperCollins, 2022), for three, two-hour sessions on the how and the why of memoir writing. Each class will include:

• Brief readings of excerpts from classic and contemporary memoirs
• Lecture and discussion of key concepts and practices in memoir writing
• Memoir writing exercises, share-aloud, and discussion
• Q&A about memoir writing and publishing

Saturdays 11AM to 1PM: March 28, April 25, and May 30.

Doors open at 10:45 AM. Light beverages and food. Wifi available.

COST: $99 package for all three classes OR $49 per individual class.

Venmo: @JerseyCityWriters (verification code 1608)
PayPal: [treasurer@jerseycitywriters.org](mailto:treasurer@jerseycitywriters.org)

Question? Please email info@jerseycitywriters.org

Class 1, March 28, 11 am-1 pm: Memoir: What Story Am I Telling?

• What is unique to memoir as a genre?
• Finding narrative and thematic through-lines in your life and relationships
• The self as a character––perspective, bias, and narrative truth.
• What are publishers looking for? How does that align with your vision?

Class 2: April 25, 11 am-1 pm: Memoir and Autofiction: voices from the past

• How to write “true” dialogue that isn’t verbatim
• Ethical considerations in bringing yourself and other people to life through dialogue
• The power of imagined conversations
• Incorporating dialogue into a longer narrative.

Class 3: May 30, 11 am-1 pm: The Process of Writing a Book-Length Memoir

• The “discovery” vs “mapping” approach.
• Possible structures for a longform memoir.
• Drafting and revising––the painful task of deciding what does and doesn’t belong.
• Working with agents, editors, and marketing people.

Jason Gots is a writer, podcaster, and educator who has produced two critically acclaimed podcasts (this one and this one), and written a memoir, essays and short fiction for notable publishers, websites and journals. He also teaches podcasting to writers in Columbia University’s Graduate School of the Arts.